The Detroit News’s Bob Wojnowski discusses the possibility of the Red Wings making the playoffs–or at least talking about making the playoffs–now that the team has acquired Alex DeBrincat from Ottawa:
“There are a limited number of what we actually call goal scorers — the guys that can get it on their stick and any time they shoot it, it looks like it has a chance to go in,” [Red Wings GM Steve] Yzerman said. “I think we’d categorize Alex in that mold, as a sniper. Just one shot can change a game. With our players, you’ve seen at the deadline, myself trading actual hockey players for draft picks, the players have to have people to play with.”
That was the growing concern, that the Wings were collecting lots of touted prospects and decent NHL players, but not many difference-makers. Maybe Larkin or Raymond can become that with DeBrincat attracting defensive attention.
The Wings still need to get more physical, although the trade for 6-3, 215-pound Klim Kostin should help. They desperately need goalie Ville Husso to have a bounce-back season, although the backup situation appears more stable. The Wings are far from a complete team, but they’re much closer to having an actual complete NHL roster, with talented youngsters on the way. If nothing else, the trade-deadline sell-off days should be over.
Yzerman emphasized the intelligence and competitiveness of DeBrincat, who has shown both with a feisty, abrasive style. Tough enough to mix it up, smart enough not to pick the wrong fight.
“(Physical play) is maybe not a huge part of my game, but I try not to back down from anyone,” DeBrincat said. “I think being a smaller forward in the league, sometimes people try to bully you around. I think I can hold my own. Definitely keeps me engaged in the game, but that’s not my main goal.”
His main goal is to be the main goal guy. He knows Larkin well, and along with several Michigan natives on the roster, the main goal is for them to lift each other. All the way to the playoffs? I wouldn’t shout the possibility too loudly, but it deserves more than a whisper.
Continued (really good stuff here)
